Celtics' Biggest Needs at 2024 NBA Trade Deadline

The Boston Celtics feel like they have everything needed to take the NBA title this season.

They're still searching for more.

MassLive's Brian Robb reported the Celtics "are strongly expected to make some kind of move ahead of the trade deadline" and are aiming "to bolster the back end of the roster."

When the Shamrocks go searching for upgrades, here are three areas they could focus on finding.

Interior Insurance

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 13: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics help Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics off the ground against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on November 13, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

Luke Kornet has held his own as one of Boston's rotation regulars season. The Celtics still may not trust him to handle a significant role in the postseason.

With a single injury, though, Kornet could be called upon to do just that. And, while we'll knock on all the wood in arm's reach to hopefully avoid jinxing anything, let's be honest: It's not like an injury to one of the two bigs ahead of him would be remotely shocking.

Kristaps Porziņģis has a worrisome injury history, particularly for someone his size (7'2", 240 lbs). Al Horford thankfully hasn't had too many tussles with the injury bug during his career, but it's fair to wonder whether he'll keep holding up the closer he gets to his 38th birthday.

The Celtics could easily find themselves without one or even both of Porziņģis and Horford over the course of the playoffs. They should prepare for that possibility now by finding a more serviceable option than Kornet.

Wing Depth

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 07: Jayson Tatum #0 and Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics high five during the first quarter of the game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on April 07, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

The Celtics have one of the NBA's top wing tandems in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Outside of sharpshooter Sam Hauser, though, there isn't much behind those stars, though.

Boston can slide a few guards into those spots, but that won't work in every matchup. The Celtics can get tireless defense from Oshae Brissett or Lamar Stevens, but both could squeeze the offensive spacing. It's the opposite with Svi Mykhailiuk, who has a fiery outside shot but is limited defensively.

A wing who offers something at both ends might have a shot at cracking the playoff rotation. Now, Boston may not have the assets needed to acquire such a player, but this front office may be able to sniff out a three-and-D wing somewhere.

Two-Way Playmaker

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 15: Head Coach Joe Mazzulla looks on with Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 15, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Payton Pritchard's first season as a full-time rotation player has been a smashing success.

It's still fair to question whether he can handle the role come playoff time.

He clearly has the offensive game to cut it. It took a while to get his shot going on, but he's up to a 37.9 percent splash rate from the perimeter. He's made a habit of making really good decisions, too, as shown by the canyon sitting between his averages in assists (2.9) and turnovers (0.6).

Offense has never been the worry with him, though. Rather, it's that opponents will mercilessly target him as a 6'1", 195-pounder with less than elite athleticism. That concern isn't exactly lessened by the fact his matchups are shooting 4.5 percentage points better against him than they do on average, per NBA.com.

That's why Boston might find itself in the market for a bigger ball-handler who can make plays at both ends.